Please or to access all these features

Woolly hugs

Woolly Hugs is a charity established by a group of Mumsnet users. They knit / crochet handmade blankets and other items for families experiencing difficult times.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Woolly Hugs. Photos of the finished Blanket for CatThiefKeith's family and a message from her DH now on this original thread. TITLE EDITED BY MNHQ

417 replies

KnottyAndPistey · 11/10/2017 16:01

Just devastating. Like many we just couldn’t take it in that CatThiefKeith had died so suddenly from the bastard illness meningitis. Utterly shocking. Words really do fail, we are just so very sorry life has been so cruel to her, her DH, young daughter, their families and friends. We are so pleased to say that her DH has accepted our offer of a Woolly Hug, and we hope that he and their DD will feel our love and support and that the blanket may give whatever comfort it can to them. There is a thread here if you would like to post condolences She brought a smile to so many faces with her stories of her mad life, Mumsnet is a sadder place without her here.

We want to make it a real tribute and celebration of CTK, will you join us?

We shall need crocheters, knitters and donors. If you would like to donate wool or funds, we can match you up. If you would like to join in but need donated wool, we can help there too. Please message with your offer of help.

Our palette for CTK is quite specific, so please do read carefully

  • Red, her DH has asked for it to be predominantly red, and we will be using these 2 for consistency one of these please, Drops Merino Extra Fine 11 Red, or Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM6 ‘Ruby’ please. *Turquoise and lighter blues *Cream, one of the following - Debbie Bliss Rialto DK 02 ecru, Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM4 cream, or Drops Merino 01 off white *Apple, pistachio and lime greens
  • Orange - one of these please, Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK - Pumpkin (373) orDebbie Bliss Rialto DK - Tangerine (56) or Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - Burnt Orange (43) *Coral - Debbie Bliss Rialto DK 55 only please *Lighter silver Just for embellishments please - Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK WM7 Taupe -

Ideas and suggestions for squares.
Her DH has asked for any camper van motifs or designs and then ideas to come from her MN friends. Now different folk knew her in different ways, whether it was debating the existence of goldfish in funfairs or taking dogs on trains, many many stories were shared, and we would like to reflect these, so please, if you have an idea that you would like to share, please do, or post on the thread and we will try and get someone crafting it, but what we ask is that you send us a note we can pass on with the blanket to explain your ideas, help create a memory blanket for her DD. We hope that makes sense. xxx

Important - The Yarn we are Using….
Artesano Superwash Merino DK
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK
Drops Merino Extra Fine DK
Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK
Katia Merino 100% DK
Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK
Patons Merino Extrafine DK

Just from the brands listed please because we know they combine for wash and wear. If you still have any of our wools that have been discontinued - Rowan Cashsoft DK, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK or James C. Brett Pure Merino DK in your stash, please do use them. Our listed yarns are all easily available online - Try Wool Warehouse, Wise Badger, Laughing Hens

Squares to be six inches, using 4mm needles or hook, no blocking of squares and please knot off sturdily when changing colours or finishing, leave a good end and use a needle to sew in the peskies.

There is support for buying colours on our website, here. Previous blankets can be seen on our website All crafting abilities genuinely_ welcome, squares made by beginner or expert are equally welcomed. It really is the love and thought that counts.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
49
TimeIhadaNameChange · 12/10/2017 17:15

JDH has been a real star! Just sent me step by step instructions for the fish and I have started a practice one. CTK and I spoke about trying to get a parliamentary auction up regarding goldfish at fairs, so it was obvious thing for me to do, but I looked at the diagram and it made no sense whatsoever!

Thanks K&P for your help too!

Jux · 12/10/2017 17:38

It'll be great, and so meaningful. I'm not sure what a parliamentary auction is, though?

My brother has just bought me a present because a few days ago I was saying "what I need is a sticky-uppy thing I can put the wool on and it'll spin round and round.....". See photos!!!!!

Woolly Hugs. Photos of the finished Blanket for CatThiefKeith's family and a message from her DH now on this original thread. TITLE EDITED BY MNHQ
Woolly Hugs. Photos of the finished Blanket for CatThiefKeith's family and a message from her DH now on this original thread. TITLE EDITED BY MNHQ
Woolly Hugs. Photos of the finished Blanket for CatThiefKeith's family and a message from her DH now on this original thread. TITLE EDITED BY MNHQ
Pancakeflipper · 12/10/2017 18:02

If there's anyone wanting to donate I'd love to knit a few squares (I can only do hearts and a chequered pattern so nowt fancy from me - sorry.)

Josiah · 12/10/2017 18:59

Jux, where did the wool winder come from. I've seen a wooden one on Amazon but it has mixed reviews!

Jux · 12/10/2017 19:05

Josiah, he got it from Amazon, he said pretty cheap - about a fiver. This one is great, the wood's decently finished and nice and smooth so no snaggy bits. I haven's actually used it yet, mind, but the wool went on it without problems and the spin is smooth.

What sort of problems are reviewers describing? I am wondering about the weight and can imagine that pulling the wool round might mean a heavier base is needed, but it seems OK to me so far.

Jux · 12/10/2017 19:08

It's this one [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wooden-Spinning-Yarn-Thread-Holder/dp/B00YT42VZA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1507831578&sr=8-5&keywords=Wool+winder]]

bookbook · 12/10/2017 19:09

That is one fancy kitchen roll holder Jux Grin . My problem - I am trying to knit 3 strands of DK together at the moment, (don't ask) so I would need three

Bufferingkisses · 12/10/2017 19:12

I would love to crochet a square or two? It'll be pretty simple stuff I'm afraid but, if that's ok, I'd really like to contribute.

If anyone can donate wool it would be great?

Jux · 12/10/2017 21:14

book Grin. I saw on one crochet youtube thing or other a woman suggested putting the different balls in small colanders and feeding the thread through the holes to keep them separated. I thought that would work quite well for keeping them under control while using them. I am sorely tempted to get some small colanders (they are cute!) when I'm flush again.

Buffering, as they say on the Woolly Hugs site, all squares are welcome, they are made with love! Simple is good, as is complicated and really anything in between. I think if you PM Knotty about wool, she'll match you up with a donor.

Josiah · 12/10/2017 21:16

Thank you Jux, that is the one on Amazon I've been looking at!

There was a review about it falling over but I think I will give it a whirl as it were!

Thank you.

Jux · 12/10/2017 22:28

I've been using it this evening and it hasn't fallen over yet. I think just glueing something heavy on the base would sort that out if it did it a lot. I saw one woman said she had stuck that anti-slip stuff on the bottom to stop it travelling, but mine hasn't moved an inch.

Okkitokkiunga · 12/10/2017 22:44

I'd like to join in though are plain squares ok? I feel a bit daunted tbh. If plain ones are ok, would it be possible to have some donor wool?

bookbook · 12/10/2017 23:33

Jux - you just haven't given it a drink, obviously !
Okki - the blankets just need squares made with love, that is the be all and end all . Not sure if you need to message K&P for wool ?

plominoagain · 13/10/2017 00:02

I'm absolutely crap ( and I'm not kidding ) at any form of knitting , or crochet , so I can't volunteer to make. So have made a donation instead if that's any use ?

KnottyAndPistey · 13/10/2017 08:53

Morning lovely Woolly people Brew

OP posts:
MadisonAvenue · 13/10/2017 09:17

Good morning K&P and all, I'm just having a Brew myself.

IDoLikeARainbow · 13/10/2017 09:22

Morning, I’d love to help out. Happy to do some plain squares or to have a go at some appliqué if someone has a specific (fairly simple) idea.

KnottyAndPistey · 13/10/2017 09:30

On phone so please bear with

We have yarn for you lovelies asking, Okki, PancakeFlippwr and Buffering

Will post on Monday, can you message your addresses please. X

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/10/2017 09:32

plominoagain a very big yes please to the donation. That's incredibly kind. Thank you! Will attempt to dig out info, soz interwens a bit ropy here

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/10/2017 09:34

IDoLikeARainbow Folk have been asking for sailing boats for CTK. Is that something you could try? Or maybe the campervan theme? Thank you welcome xx

Madison, onto coffee about 45 here! BrewSmile

OP posts:
KnottyAndPistey · 13/10/2017 09:37

TimeIhadaNameChange Wasn't that an amazing response to helping with the fish?!

Bloody loves the Woolly Hugs crew Star

OP posts:
shatteredstudentmum · 13/10/2017 09:44

I can do some squares if you have any spare wool?

Jux · 13/10/2017 09:52

book, ah, that's the secret! Wink

Plomino and Rainbow, you start with a donation, then find yourself attempting a plain square, then you try something a little more challenging, and by that time you're hooked! You shall never escape!!! Grin Welcome

BigApple11 · 13/10/2017 10:15

@HemanOrSheRa did you send me wool again? I just got 4 balls of loveliness in the post. Will try to do you and CTK proud Flowers

AmethystRaven · 13/10/2017 10:43

I always think of her bobbing along in her little boat so I am planning Drops Merino Extrafine in Red for the square and a crochet anchor embellishment in the Light Grey Mix. What do you think?